The beauty of classic design lies in its ability to endure. For centuries, the aesthetic characteristics that emerged from the Baroque, Rococo and Victorian periods have been celebrated for their proportions, symmetry and harmony – and continue to inspire architects, designers, artists and creatives to no end.
Honouring the past while balancing considerations for the future, however, is a necessary part of the sustainable evolution of design – a trait that Orac, a brand renowned for its high-quality architectural elements for walls, has mastered.
In the world of Orac, available at Brands International, a bare wall is an opportunity for intervention, a blank base in need of shape and dimension.
“For over half a century, Orac has mastered the art of transforming spaces with architectural elements that blend traditional craftsmanship with continuous innovation,” the Brands International team notes. “Each piece reflects decades of knowledge and a passion for creating durable, elegant products that carry the legacy of the past into the future, ensuring every design not only decorates but also endures.”
Timeless by design
At the heart of timeless design lies a delicate balance of proportion, symmetry and harmony. Far from mere decoration, architectural elements are the backbone of timeless interiors, establishing proportions, rhythm and flow to make a room feel complete.
Proportion is the anchor that ensures every element feels perfectly sized to its surrounding. When proportions are balanced correctly, a room exudes a natural sense of comfort.
Architectural elements also create symmetry, which brings a sense of order to a space. It invites designers to balance grandeur with restraint, to pair intricate mouldings with clean lines and let architectural details echo one another in thoughtful repetition.
Lastly, harmony ties it all together, blending colours, textures and finishes that collectively shape the mood of a space. It’s the play of light on a glossy detail, the softness of a chalky wall or the continuity of a monochromatic palette that bring it all to life.
Achieving classic interiors
To achieve proportion and symmetry, it is advisable to start at the ceiling with cornice mouldings, balance with skirting, and add decorative elements in between.
Cornice mouldings are one of the most defining elements of a classic interior – establishing the overall proportions of a room while creating depth. In the case of a typical Maltese townhouse with a high ceiling, a large cornice is most suitable; a smaller cornice moulding creates a more contemporary setting rather than a classic one.
The type of cornice also impacts a space – the Orac range includes ornamented cornices for classical interiors inspired by Baroque, Rococo or Neoclassical styles; organic cornices for Art Nouveau inspired interiors; composed cornices for spaces craving a bold, architectural statement; linear cornices for modern-classic interiors; and fragmented cornices for contemporary reinterpretations of classic design.
Beyond protecting walls, skirting boards also play a central role in shaping a well-balanced interior, framing rooms and bringing cohesion to the design. For visual continuity, it is advisable to use the same skirting in a single project, but to match the height and proportions to individual room sizes. Paint techniques also play a part – to make a small room look larger, it’s best to use the same colour for both the walls and skirting boards.
Made to last
Orac’s products are about aesthetic longevity as much as environmental responsibility. For its collections, the brand incorporates recycled and bio-based materials that reduce reliance on fossil resources. They are durable, re-paintable and endlessly versatile, transforming spaces without waste.
Composed of advanced materials, Orac’s products are also resistant, lightweight and easy to install; distinguishing them from others made of wood, MDF or plaster. The majority of the brand’s range is made from a high-quality polyurethane (Purotouch®) that allows for sharp details, whilst part of the collection is made from an extruded, impact-resistant polymer (Duropolymer®).
A holistic design language
A classic interior doesn’t start and end with the walls – the right choice of flooring that complements the desired aesthetic of a space is a crucial part of the equation.
“At Brands International, we collaborate closely with architects, designers and end clients from the earliest stages of a project, exploring how our curated range of products can translate timeless ideals into spaces that feel both meaningful and unexpected,” the team notes.
The natural beauty of wood flooring, of which Brands International has a dizzying selection, helps anchor the visual appeal of classic-contemporary interiors, particularly light oak tones that harmonise with the architectural symmetry and proportion that define this design language.
Meanwhile, patterns like herringbone and chevron create a rich visual rhythm, echoing the artistry of historical interiors while remaining relevant for generations. Classic plank formats are also available, with all variations available as engineered wood, vinyl, laminate and SPC.
View the range of Orac’s New Classics collection, flooring and more at Brands International at Triq tal-Balal, San Ġwann
